Source: iAfrica.com

Mozambique has established a National Commission for Artificial Intelligence (CNIA) to advise the government on the ethical, legal, security and social dimensions of AI, including its use in the labour market. The commission was created by a Council of Ministers’ decree that came into force in April and is charged with guaranteeing adoption and dissemination of best practices for the responsible and ethical use of AI while supporting development of regulatory frameworks, education, scientific research, cybersecurity, technological development and innovation.

CNIA will operate across Mozambique from headquarters in Maputo and report directly to the Council of Ministers. Its remit includes advising on strategic actions to promote AI while accounting for ethical and security considerations, preparing opinions on proposed policies, strategies and action plans, and offering guidance on establishing scientific research and education institutions in the AI field. The commission will evaluate whether individual AI initiatives adequately address ethical, legal, security and social issues, prepare opinions on opportunities for international cooperation, standards development and harmonisation of international regulations, and issue opinions on AI and the workforce including workforce training and development programmes. CNIA will also advise on funding for strategic AI programmes and projects, deliver scientific and technical advice to government during the development of AI initiatives and action plans, monitor implementation of international recommendations on AI, issue opinions on proposed legal and regulatory instruments that respect ethical and security principles, and recommend initiatives to promote investment in AI. The commission will be chaired by the minister overseeing information and communication technologies, with the ministers responsible for national defence and education as vice-chairs, and its membership will include officials and specialists from the public and private sectors, academia and civil society selected for experience in AI, science and innovation.